Rustic grilled bread with marinated tomatoes is a perfectly simple seasonal dish

Nothing tastes better than when sweet balsamic vinegar meets fresh, juicy, ripe tomatoes at the height of the season.

In this super-simple but very elegant recipe, I used lots of ripe summer tomatoes that I cut into wedges and marinated for several hours in a simple mixture of balsamic vinegar, extra-virgin olive oil and herbs, with an added hint of sweetness from brown sugar. (Try to use a good-quality olive oil in the marinade, as it really does affect the overall flavor.)

The result is a very flavorful tomato that pairs wonderfully with the rustic grilled bread, whether you eat them independently or pile those tomatoes on top. Just be sure to get all that flavorful marinade from the bottom of the bowl.

Rustic grilled bread with marinated tomatoes recipe

Serves 6

Ingredients:

For the marinade

• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the tomato salad

• 6 large Roma tomatoes, cut into wedges
• 1 small bunch scallions, very thinly sliced
• 1 small handful fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 10 fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
• 1 loaf fresh French bread, sliced
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. In a bowl, combine all the ingredients for the marinade. Mix very well, and set aside.
2. In a separate bowl, combine the tomatoes, scallions and fresh herbs.
3. Pour the marinade over the tomatoes, and toss well. Cover, and chill for several hours to allow the flavors to develop.
4. Heat a large grill pan over medium-high heat.
5. Brush 1 side of the fresh sliced bread with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
6. Place the oil side down on the pan, and grill the bread for 3 to 4 minutes.
7. Place the grilled bread onto a serving platter, and transfer the tomato salad to a serving bowl when ready to serve.
8. Garnish with additional herbs, and serve.

More recipes using fresh tomatoes

Recipes for your bounty of summer tomatoes
Blistered maple-balsamic tomato crostini
Fresh tomato sauce